Stethoscope cleaning assembly

ABSTRACT

An assembly structured to restrict contamination of individuals from association with the heads of stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes. Different embodiments include the dispensing of cleaning fluid or the delivery of protective barriers onto predetermined portions of the stethoscope heads, while passing along the path of travel. A dispenser assembly and a cooperatively disposed activating assembly are manually operated by moveable, driving engagement with the head portion passing through the housing. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by a head passing along the path of travel. Differently structured dispenser assemblies function to either deliver the cleaning fluid or individually dispense the barriers onto different heads, so as to either facilitate the cleaning or protective covering of exposed surfaces of the stethoscope heads, dependent on the embodiment utilized.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application ofpreviously filed, now pending application having Ser. No. 12/316,123filed on Dec. 9, 2008, which is a Continuation-In-Part patentapplication having Ser. No. 12/079,077 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, which isa Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application having Ser. No.11/728,207, filed on Mar. 23, 2007, which matured into U.S. Pat. No.7,406,973 on Aug. 5, 2008, all of which are incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to an assembly structured to clean the headportion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travelalong which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply ofcleaning fluid is associated with a dispenser assembly which iscooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. Theactivating assembly is operatively positioned to activate the dispenserassembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path oftravel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to anapplicator assembly or at least to an area communicating with theapplicator assembly, which distributes the cleaning fluid to the headportion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excesscleaning fluid there from.

2. Description of the Related Art

As is well recognized in the medical profession and commonlyacknowledged by many individuals not directly associated with themedical care industry, the use of a stethoscope by health care providersis routine. As typically applied, the head and/or diaphragm portion ofthe stethoscope is normally placed in direct contact with the skin ofthe patient at various locations over the patient's body. In applyingthe stethoscope in this manner and in particular in situations where thestethoscope head or diaphragm may be exposed to the bodily fluids of thepatient, the transmission of infection from patient to patient is adistinct possibility.

While some stethoscopes are structured for disposal after each use, agreat number of stethoscope instruments are non-disposable and areintended for continued and repeated use. This latter category ofstethoscopes is typically carried by the health care provider on asubstantially continuous basis and used repeatedly for examination ofmultiple patients. In order to avoid the transmission of infection frompatient to patient when using this latter category of instruments,attempts have been made to facilitate at least a minimal cleaning and/ordisinfecting of the head portion of the stethoscope. However, because oftime demands, emergency situations and other situations which frequentlyoccur, a health care provider may only perform a minimal cleaning of theinstrument on an occasional basis. Such cursory cleaning procedures mayinvolve a physical wiping of the head and diaphragm portions of thestethoscope with some type of disinfecting or cleaning material wipe.Although, these cursory cleaning procedures may be effective, they areburdensome, time consuming and require the ready availability of thesewipes. Furthermore, while available and inexpensive, these wipes havegenerally not been integrated into routine physician practice.

In order to overcome problems of the type set forth above, attempts havebeen made to develop various types of cleaning devices and/or systemswhich are intended to provide a more thorough, effective cleaning of atleast the head and/or diaphragm portions of the stethoscope. However,many known or conventional devices, while being at least minimallyoperative to accomplish their intended purpose, also suffer fromnumerous disadvantages. Such disadvantages generally relate toaccomplishing an effective cleaning, disinfecting or possiblesterilization of the instrument and the fact that many of such knowncleaning devices are difficult or too time consuming for convenient use.

To better appreciate the requirements necessary to accomplish a propercleaning and disinfecting of the stethoscope head, it is important tounderstand the various structural components thereof and their intendeduse during an examination procedure. More specifically, the stethoscopehead typically includes a diaphragm portion comprising a thin disk ofappropriate material that is disposed in confronting relation to apatient's skin. As such, the diaphragm forms an acoustical seal with thecontacted portion of the patient. In addition, the head portion alsoincludes a ring or rim which retains or is otherwise disposed andstructured for supportive engagement with the diaphragm. Finally, thestethoscope head includes a base or spine of the head formed of metal orother composite base material that is structured to serve as thelocation where the user may grasp the device comfortably, usually with athumb and one or two fingers of a single hand. A magnification andtransmission of the sounds detected during the examination procedure isthereby accomplished. In addition, an appropriate conduit or tubingwhich may be formed of a rubber or like material is secured to the headand extends outwardly there from so as to interconnect the ear pieces ofthe stethoscope to the head portion.

Health care associated (nosocomial) infections are a growing concern forhospitals in the United States and worldwide. Approximately, two millionpatients admitted to U.S. hospitals each year acquire a health careassociated infection. Of these, more than seventy thousand will die.These infections add about $30 billion annually to U.S. healthcare cost.The transfer of pathogenic bacteria from one patient to another is amajor cause of healthcare associated infections. This transfer may befacilitated by healthcare workers who do not adequately clean anddisinfect their hands and/or patient-care equipment after patientcontact.

Stethoscopes harbor pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria may be transferred tointact human skin directly from a stethoscope diaphragm. A stethoscope'sdiaphragm and rim (the portions of the stethoscope that directly contactthe patient's skin) may be adequately disinfected and cleaned by one orseveral wipes with a prepackaged isopropyl alcohol pad or swab. However,the majority of healthcare workers do not clean or disinfect theirstethoscope after each patient encounter. Less than half of workersclean their stethoscopes daily or even weekly. Common reasons for notcleaning or disinfecting stethoscopes are that the alcohol pads andswabs are not readily available, are messy, time consuming to use andrequire disposal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends thathealthcare workers dedicate the use of non-critical care equipment to asingle patient. If this is not possible, then it is recommended thatthese items be adequately cleaned and disinfected before being used onanother patient. These recommendations are specifically for patientsthat are known or suspected to harbor pathogenic organisms. However, theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that for allpatients receiving care in a hospital, an item of patient care equipmentmust not be reused on another patient until it has been cleaned andreprocessed appropriately. The American Medical Association has alsoresolved that healthcare providers should frequently clean theirstethoscopes to prevent the spread of nosocomial infections.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that allows healthcareproviders to rapidly and safely clean and disinfect their stethoscopediaphragm and rim before and after examining a patient. Such a proposeddevice should be located conveniently in the patient's room orexamination area and preferably be wall mounted. Moreover such aproposed cleaning assembly should be preferably structured to facilitatea single, rapid swipe through the proposed device by a stethoscope userso as to adequately clean and disinfect the stethoscope diaphragm andrim. These are the elements of a stethoscope that come in contact with apatient and are an important potential source of nosocomial infections.Accordingly, a proposed invention should provide a novel, inexpensive,safe, convenient and time efficient solution to the potentialstethoscope-to-patient transmission of infectious agents such asviruses, bacteria and fungi.

It will be preferable if a proposed stethoscope cleaning anddisinfecting device had the following additional features in order toovercome disadvantages and problems recognized with known orconventional cleaning devices. The proposed device should safely enclosethe disinfecting agent to prevent spillage and dissuade tampering. Aftercleaning and disinfecting the stethoscope's diaphragm and rim, thedevice should remove excess disinfecting agent so as to not leave anexcessive amount of the cleaning agent on the diaphragm or rim.

Further, any such cleaning device that is located in a patient's room orin an examination area may, over time, have its exterior surfacecontaminated by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it is essential that toprevent further spread of pathogenic bacteria, a proposed device shouldallow the operator to avoid touching the device with his or her handsduring the stethoscope cleaning and disinfecting procedure.

In light of the above, there is a long standing and well recognized needin the medical profession for a cleaning assembly and an attendantprocedure which effectively, quickly and reliably serves to clean anddisinfect the head portion and/or at least the exposed diaphragm andsupportive rim thereof. Such a proposed cleaning assembly should bestructured to effectively isolate at least the diaphragm of the headportion from the surrounding environment during the cleaning procedure.In addition a proposed cleaning assembly should be structured to apply,clean and remove excess cleaning fluid from the diaphragm and/or otheradjacent or contiguous components of the head portion.

As set forth above, an improved cleaning assembly should be capable ofeffectively isolating the diaphragm and similarly exposed portions ofthe head of the stethoscope and segregate the hands of the user from thecleaning area of the proposed cleaning assembly. As such, a cleaningprocedure associated with the proposed cleaning assembly should occur onthe interior of an appropriately structured and dimensioned housing. Anappropriate housing of the proposed cleaning assembly should alsoprevent excessive fluid from escaping and eliminate or significantlyreduce the possibility of the hand of the user contaminating thediaphragm and/or rim during the cleaning procedure.

Finally, such a proposed cleaning assembly should be relatively simplein operation and structure and also include components that facilitatethe replacement of the intended cleaning fluid and any non-durableelements without undue interference with the remaining operativecomponents associated with the proposed cleaning assembly. Further, aproposed assembly of this type to be described in greater detailhereinafter may include additional preferred embodiments comprisingreplaceable components having various functions. These replaceablecomponents may preferably include, but not be limited to, a receptacleor sump; portions of the applicator assembly including, but not limitedto, an applicator member; a cleaning member and a member that removesexcess cleaning fluid from the portions of the stethoscope to which thecleaning fluid is applied. All of the above components may be made ofdurable or nondurable materials. The ability to replace at least some ofthese components as a single combined and/or interconnected unitfacilitates the ease of use and versatility of the proposed cleaningassembly.

A further useful, novel and unique feature of the various replaceablecomponents of the proposed cleaning assembly relate to an appropriatelystructured and disposed indicator assembly which may include a floatinglevel indicator and/or a window or appropriate viewing structure formedin the housing. Moreover, the indicator assembly and the variousproposed components associated therewith will function to inform theuser when the cleaning fluid needs to be replaced.

As such, a proposed cleaning assembly of the type set forth in greaterdetail hereinafter, should be capable of a long operable life even whenexposed to continuous use and a relatively harsh working environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a cleaning assembly structured toclean a head portion, including at least an exposed diaphragm andsupporting rim of the stethoscope, as well as other exposed portionswhich come into contact with a patient's body. As generally used, it isrecognized that the terms “clean” and/or “disinfect” may be strictlyinterpreted as referring to different procedures intended to accomplishdifferent results. By way of example, the term “clean” and “cleanse” maybe typically used in situations where it is intended to remove dirt,impurities, debris, contaminants, etc. In contrast, the term “disinfect”may be used to remove or kill harmful microorganisms or render themharmless. However, as used herein the terms “clean”, “cleanse” and/or“cleaning action” are meant to encompass all of the above cleaning anddisinfecting procedures. The category or degree of “cleaning” in apractical application of the present invention will be at leastpartially dependent on the cleaning fluid to which the head portion ofthe stethoscope is exposed.

By way of example, one preferred embodiment of the present invention mayincorporate the use of a cleaning fluid comprising an alcohol basedcomposition. More specifically, the cleaning fluid used in the operationof the present invention may include, but is not limited to, anantimicrobial fluid. Moreover, the cleaning fluid is applied in anappropriate manner to the exposed surfaces of the diaphragm, supportiverim and possibly other adjacent or contiguous portions associated withthe head portion of the stethoscope. Therefore, other factors to beconsidered are the type of wiping, scrubbing, brushing or other types ofphysical engagement or contact to which the head portion is subjectedduring the cleaning procedure. Accordingly, with the aboveacknowledgement to the strict definitions of the above terms, the use ofthe term “clean”, “cleaning”, and/or “cleaning action” are also meant toencompass all of the above noted procedures, the various types ofcleaning fluids capable of being used as well as any of a variety ofdifferent types of physical engagement or contact applied to theportions of the head of the stethoscope being treated.

Therefore, the cleaning assembly of the present invention comprises ahousing including an at least partially hollow interior of sufficientdimension and configuration to include various other operativecomponents of the cleaning assembly therein. More specifically, thehousing includes an entrance portion and an exit portion disposed inspaced relation to one another. The entrance and exit portions arerespectively dimensioned and configured to facilitate the entering ofthe head portion of the stethoscope and the removal thereof from theinterior of the housing. Further, the housing includes a path of travelextending between and disposed in communicating relation with both theentrance and exit portions. Moreover, the entrance, exit and path oftravel are cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate movementor passage of the head portion along the path of travel at leastpartially on the interior of the housing.

When the head portion is passing along the path of travel, thediaphragm, supporting rim and other contiguous parts of the head portionare segregated from the exterior of the housing and ambient conditionsassociated therewith. It is further emphasized that in order to increasethe efficiency and effectiveness of the cleaning procedure, the housingas well as the path of travel and other components to be described ingreater detail hereinafter are selectively structured, disposed anddimensioned so as to facilitate passage of the head along the path oftravel and between the entrance and exit portions by means of a single“swiping” action. Such a swiping action eliminates the requirement orneed for a successive, reciprocal or repetitive type of movement of thehead portion on the interior of the housing and along the path of travelin order to accomplish an effective cleaning thereof as intended.

Additional structural and operative features of the present inventioninclude a fluid supply mounted on the interior of the housing andcomprising at least one but, in other preferred embodiments, a pluralityof fluid reservoirs. Each of the one or more fluid reservoirs isstructured to contain a “cleaning” fluid disposed therein. Further, eachof the fluid reservoirs is associated with a dispenser assemblypreferably, but not exclusively, defined by a pump assembly. Each pumpassembly associated with each of the fluid reservoirs is, in at leastone preferred embodiment of the present invention, mechanically orotherwise forcibly operated at least partially concurrently to thepassage of the head portion of the stethoscope along the aforementionedpath of travel. In addition an indicator assembly is associated with thefluid supply and/or at least one of the fluid reservoirs. Such anindicator assembly may take the form of a window and/or associated floatstructure disposed and structured to facilitate an accurate, visualdetermination of the existing quantity of cleaning fluid remaining inthe cleaning fluid supply.

In order to effectively dispense the cleaning fluid from each of the oneor more fluid reservoirs, the present invention also includes anactivating assembly disposed within the housing and movable between aninitial position and an operative position. As such, the activatingassembly includes at least one but more practically, a plurality ofactivating members preferably, but not necessarily, corresponding innumber to the number of fluid reservoirs and associated dispenserassemblies, as set forth above.

In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention theversatility, safety and efficiency of the cleaning assembly is furtherdemonstrated by the elimination of the need for any supplemental power.Supplemental power, in the form of an electrically driven motor, hasbeen employed in other devices having a similar purpose. The use of anelectrically driven motor poses risks to the user including malfunction,fire, electrical shock or explosion. The risk of fire and explosion areeven greater when considering that the vast majority of preferredcleaning fluids for equipment cleaning are alcohol based and flammable.Other known cleaning assemblies, while not employing a motor orflammable cleaning fluid, do utilize high voltage electricity (200-1,000volts), which exposes the user to the risk of electrocution. Also, knowndevices of this type pose a risk of UV light exposure to the user orothers in the vicinity of the device, when in use.

Moreover, the cooperative positioning and structuring of the variousoperative components of the cleaning assembly provide for the dispensingand application of the cleaning fluid from the one or more fluidreservoirs onto an applicator assembly and from the applicator assemblyon to the diaphragm, rim and other surfaces or parts of the head portionintended to be cleaned. Further, the force required to physically passthe head portion along the aforementioned path of travel will result inthe dispensing of the cleaning fluid from the one or more reservoirs.More specifically, the activating assembly, including the one or moreactivating members, originally assumes an initial position. Such initialposition comprises the one or more activating members disposed ininterruptive relation to the path of travel and more specifically to thehead portion as it travels along the path of travel. As such, the headportion, during such passage will engage and drivingly force each of theone or more activating members from the initial position to theirrespective operative positions. Accordingly, the operative position ofeach of the activating members comprises their driving, activating oroperating disposition relative to each of the dispenser assembliesassociated with respective ones of the fluid reservoirs. As set forthabove, the dispenser assemblies may preferably include a mechanical orotherwise forcibly driven pump mechanism. Therefore, each of theactivating members and possibly mechanical linkage associated therewithserve to appropriately operate the pump assemblies so as to dispense thecleaning fluid onto an applicator assembly for distribution onto theappropriate portions of the head of the stethoscope.

Moreover, the applicator assembly is disposed and structured to applycleaning fluid to the diaphragm and other appropriate portions of thehead of the stethoscope, which contact the applicator assembly as thehead of the stethoscope passes along the path of travel. The applicatorassembly is also disposed and structured to provide a cleaning andpossibly a mildly abrasive or scrubbing action to the head portion andin at least some preferred embodiments, remove excess cleaning fluidtherefrom. The above set forth cleaning procedure is accomplished on theinterior of the housing prior to removal of the head portion through theaforementioned exit portion of the housing. In addition, the applicatorassembly, in at least some of the embodiments of the present invention,may be removably mounted on the interior of the housing, as part of aremovable, replaceable cartridge, so as to facilitate replacement and/ormaintenance thereof when needed.

Accordingly, the structural and operative features of the cleaningassembly of the present invention allow for the utilization of a singleswiping action which is unique and distinguishable from known orconventional stethoscope cleaning assemblies. Moreover, in a single,smooth, one-handed, unidirectional swiping maneuver, the operator bringsthe stethoscope head into the interior chamber of the housing of thedevice. In the same swiping maneuver, the operator brings thestethoscope head in contact with the one or more activating membersthereby forcibly driving the one or more activating members into anoperative position to actively dispense cleaning fluid onto theaforementioned applicator assembly. In the same swiping maneuver, theoperator brings the diaphragm and rim portions of the stethoscope headinto operative contact with the various components of the applicatorassembly. This serves to distribute cleaning fluid across the diaphragmand rim in such a manner as to clean the diaphragm and rim. In the sameswiping maneuver, the operator brings the diaphragm and rim portions ofthe stethoscope head into activating contact with a cleaning member ofthe applicator assembly. The cleaning member serves to remove dirt,debris and contaminants from the stethoscope diaphragm and rim, anddistributes the cleaning solution over the rim and diaphragm. In thesame swiping maneuver, the operator brings the diaphragm and rimportions of the stethoscope head into activating contact with anadditional member of the applicator assembly that serves to removeexcess cleaning fluid, thereby at least partially drying the diaphragmand rim. In the same swiping maneuver, the operator brings thestethoscope head further along the path of travel until it exits theinterior chamber of the housing. The end result of this single, smooth,one-handed, unidirectional swiping maneuver is a disinfected, cleanedand at least partially dried diaphragm and rim of the stethoscope head.

Accordingly, the structural and operative features of the stethoscopecleaning assembly of the present invention overcome many if not all ofthe disadvantages associated with the use and/or operation of known orconventional devices. More specifically, such conventional devicestypically require the use of two hands, one to hold the stethoscope andthe other to depress or push an activating structure on the conventionalcleaning devices. Any lever or button externally located or accessibleon a conventional cleaning device may become infected or contaminated byexposure to the external environment. If a user touches an externallever or button with a hand, the user's hand may become infected orcontaminated with potentially dangerous microorganisms located on thelever or button. The present invention avoids this potential seriouscontamination risk by the elimination of any external activatingbuttons, levers or like members. Yet other conventional or knowncleaning assemblies require a separate wiping maneuver to dry thestethoscope head on a pad external to the device. An external pad isless advantageous in that this pad is also susceptible to infection andcontamination by the external environment. This infection andcontamination may be spread to the user's stethoscope during the dryingmaneuver. The present invention, which lacks an external pad or likestructure avoids this potentially serious contamination risk.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the cleaning assembly of the presentinvention is structured to restrict contamination from contact or othertype of direct association with heads of stethoscopes. As such, andsimilar to the additional preferred embodiments described herein, thepresent preferred embodiment includes a housing having an entranceportion and an exit portion cooperatively structured to define a path oftravel therebetween. The path of travel is disposed, dimensioned andstructured for passage of the heads of stethoscopes, individually,therealong as the individual heads enter the path of travel through theentrance portion and exit the path of travel through the exit portion.

Distinguishing operative and structural features of this preferredembodiment of the cleaning assembly includes the provision of at leastone but more practically a plurality of barriers disposed within thehousing in communicating relation with the path of travel andaccordingly with the heads of the stethoscopes as they pass along thepath of travel. Further, a distribution assembly is positioned incommunicating relation with the plurality of barriers. The distributionassembly is positioned in communicating relation with the plurality ofbarriers and is disposable, upon passage of a stethoscope head along thepath of travel, into a distributing orientation relative to theplurality of barriers.

The distributing orientation comprises a segregating disposition of atleast a portion of the distribution assembly relative to an exposed oneof the plurality of barriers. The exposed barrier is thereby disposedinto a transferring position relative to the head passing along the pathof travel. More specifically, the disposition of an exposed one of theplurality of barriers into the transferring position occurs concurrentlyand is caused by the distribution assembly being disposed in thedistributing orientation.

Depending upon the specific structural dimension, configuration andoverall structure of the interior portions of the housing including aremovable, replaceable cartridge and/or supporting frame, the pluralityof barriers may initially assume and/or be “loaded” into the interior ofthe housing of the cleaning assembly in either a stacked array or arolled collection, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.However, the spirit and scope of this embodiment of the cleaningassembly is specifically intended not to be limited to a stacked arrayor rolled configuration but rather is structurally and operativelyadaptable to house at least one but more practically, a plurality of thebarriers in any appropriate configuration, collection or array whichbest facilitates transfer of individual ones of the plurality ofbarriers onto exposed, predetermined portions of the head of thestethoscope.

Accordingly, each of the plurality of barriers may preferably include aflexible material structured to removably adhere in covering relation tothe exposed and/or predetermined portions of the stethoscope head. Inaddition, each of the plurality of barriers transferred onto the exposedface or surfaces of the stethoscope head may include a disinfectingcomposition incorporated therein or thereon in any appropriate manner.As such, the exposed surfaces or other portions of the stethoscope headwhich would normally come into contact with a patient will be coveredand/or at least partially cleansed or disinfected such that the actualsurface of the stethoscope head will not contact or engage the patientor other individual, even including medical personal operativelyassociated with the stethoscope. Therefore, once an examination ortreatment of the patient, utilizing the stethoscope, has been completed,the attached, protective barrier may be easily removed and discarded inany safe, appropriate manner. Thereafter the head may be passed into thehousing, along the path of travel, whereby a new protecting anddisinfecting barrier will be applied in overlying, covering relation tothe exposed and/or predetermined surfaces or portions of the stethoscopehead. As also described in greater detail hereinafter, a structuralmodification representative of yet another embodiment of the cleaningassembly which incorporates protective and/or disinfecting barriersengaging the stethoscope heads in covering relation to exposed portionsthereof include a somewhat less complex method and structure fortransferring the plurality of barriers onto the stethoscope head.

Therefore, the various embodiments of cleaning assembly of the presentinvention comprises structural and operative features which facilitatethe cleaning, and/or disinfecting of the diaphragm, rim and otherappropriate portions of the head of the stethoscope in a quick,effective and reliable manner so as to overcome many of thedisadvantages and problems associated with known or conventionalcleaning assemblies intended for this purpose. Additional preferredembodiments of the present invention prohibit or significantly restrictthe spread of contamination to individuals coming in contact with orotherwise associated with the stethoscope head by cleaning and/orproviding a barrier in covering relation to exposed surfaces of thehead.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view in partial schematic form of a cleaning assemblyof the present invention wherein the various operative componentsthereof are in an initial and/or non-activating position.

FIG. 2 is an exterior perspective view of the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1 of the cleaning assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an interior perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2 including a closure or gate assembly, which restricts unnecessaryaccess to the interior of the cleaning assembly of the present inventionand exposure of a user to cleaning fluid dispensed on the interior ofthe cleaning assembly.

FIG. 4 is an interior perspective view of various operative componentsof the present invention in an initial position.

FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of the present invention whereincertain components are in an operative or activated position fordispensing of cleaning fluid.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention directed to fluid supply assembly and applicatorassembly structurally combined as part of a replaceable cartridgeremovably mounted within an interior of a housing of the cleaningassembly.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the embodiment of at least one preferredembodiment of the present invention in partial schematic form, whereinthe head portion of the stethoscope is disposed for cleaning and variouscomponents of an applicator assembly are disposed in an operativeposition.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view in exploded form of a plurality ofthe operative components collectively comprising at least a portion of alinkage assembly serving to operatively interconnect the activatingassembly to a fluid supply assembly for the dispensing of cleaning fluidonto the head of the stethoscope being cleaned.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view in exploded form of the operativecomponents associated with the embodiments of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of yet another preferred embodimentof a replaceable cartridge assembly structured to be removably mountedwithin the housing of the cleaning assembly.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of yet another preferred embodimentof a replaceable cartridge assembly structured to be removably mountedwithin the housing of the cleaning assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thecleaning assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of interior portions of the additionalpreferred embodiment of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of interior componentsof the embodiments of FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a removable and/or replaceablesupport frame and/or cartridge mounted within the interior of theembodiment of FIGS. 18-19.

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view in an exploded form of a structuralmodification defining yet another preferred embodiment similar to thatof the embodiments of FIGS. 18-22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thecleaning assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 in use as thestethoscope head enters the housing at a beginning of the path oftravel.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 25 inuse as the stethoscope head is disposed within the housing and passesalong an intermediate portion of the path of travel.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the embodiments of FIGS. 24-26 in useas the stethoscope head exits the housing and the path of travelsubsequent to having a barrier being disposed thereon.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of the head of astethoscope incorporating a protective barrier of the type associatedwith the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 18-27.

FIG. 29 is a barrier collection structured to be operable at least withthe embodiment of FIGS. 24-27.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directedto a cleaning assembly 10 for the head of a stethoscope. The cleaningassembly 10 includes a housing 12 having a hollow interior of sufficientdimension and configuration to contain a plurality of operativecomponents to be described in greater detail hereinafter. As alsodescribed, the cleaning assembly 10 is specifically structured to“clean” the diaphragm, supportive rim and other exposed portions of thehead which may be brought into direct contact with a patient's body.More specifically, the head portion 14, as represented in FIG. 10,includes a diaphragm 16 and supportive and/or surrounding rim portion 18generally associated with an exposed face or patient contacting portion20 of the stethoscope head 14. Additional features relating to themanipulation or placement of the head 14 comprise the structuring of thehousing 12, as well as other operative components associated therewith,which facilitates a user grasping of the spine or stem portion 22located on the exterior of the housing 12 with a single hand during thecleaning procedure. As such, the cleaning of the head 14 can beeffectively accomplished by the user performing a single,unidirectional, one-handed “swiping” motion of the head 14 causing it topass on the interior of the housing 12 and along a predetermined path oftravel, as at 30, 31, explained in greater detail hereinafter.

With primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 12 includes anentrance portion 24 and an exit portion 26 respectively defined byopenings in one face or surface of the housing 12. The entrance and exitopenings 24 and 26 are dimensioned and configured to facilitate thepassage of the head portion 14 respectively into and out of the interiorof the housing 12. In addition, the housing 12 further includes theaforementioned path of travel of the head portion 14, which is at leastpartially defined by an elongated channel 30, disposed between and incommunication with both the entrance 24 and exit 26. Further, thelongitudinal dimension of the path of travel and/or open channel 30 issuch as to facilitate travel or passage of the head portion 14 intocooperative relation with the various operative components which performthe cleansing procedure as set also forth in greater detail hereinafter.

Similarly, the transverse dimension or width of the channel 30facilitates passage of the head portion 14 along the path of travel in amanner which at least partially segregates the spine or stem 22, beinggripped by a single hand of the user, on the exterior of the housing 12.As such, the user will not be exposed or have ready access to the pathof travel and the various operative components of the assembly 10disposed within the housing 12. Further, the dispensing of a cleaningfluid and the application of that cleaning fluid to the diaphragm 16 andother appropriate surface portions of the head 14 is substantiallyretained on the interior of the housing 12.

In order to facilitate the prevention of the cleaning fluid from exitingthrough the open channel 30 of the housing 12, as well as preventtampering or an unauthorized access to the interior of the housing orcasing 12, the present invention includes a closure or gate assemblybest represented in FIG. 3. More specifically, the closure or gateassembly is generally indicated as 42 and includes two gate members 44and 46 normally disposed in a closed orientation as represented in FIG.3. The gate members 44 and 46 are interconnected by connecting bracketsor linkage 62, 62′ connected to attachment links 66 extending throughaperture 68 in the gate member 44 and 46. The provision of a biasingspring 62″, associated with at least one of the connecting links 62,serves to bias the gate members 44 and 46 in the closed, originalposition of FIG. 3. However, upon placement of the stethoscope head 14through the entrance portion 24 of the casing 12 and by further movementof the head 14, using the aforementioned swiping action exerted thereon,the gate members 44 and 46 will be forcibly separated from one anotherinto an open position. The open position comprises a separation of thegate members 44 and 46 a sufficient distance to allow passage of thehead 14 therebetween and along the length of the predetermined path oftravel 30, 31. Upon removal of the head 14 from the housing 12 throughthe exit portion 26, the gate members 44 and 46 will become disengagedfrom the head 14 allowing them to assume the original, closed positionof FIG. 3. This is due, at least in part, to the biasing force exertedthereon by the biasing spring 62″. Also, when in the closed position ofFIG. 3, any excessive spillage or over spray of the cleaning fluid willbe prevented from exiting the casing 12 through the elongated channel orpath of travel 30, thereby segregating the user from such excessexposure to the cleaning fluid. As should be apparent, the dispositionof the gate members 44 and 46 in the closed position of FIG. 3 will alsorestrict or lessen the possibility of tampering with the internaloperative and structural components of the cleaning assembly 10. Assuch, the user will not be exposed spillage, over-spray or any excessiveamounts of the cleaning fluid during or after the cleaning procedure.

With primary reference to FIG. 10, the aforementioned path of travel isalso schematically and partially defined by directional arrow 31 whichis intended to represent the direction of travel of the diaphragm 16 andother portions of the head 14 as it travels on the interior of thehousing 12 and along the length of the open channel 30. Accordingly, theschematic directional representation 31 and the channel 30 are meant tocollectively and independently define the path of travel as the single,unidirectional, swiping action is exerted on the head 14 by the user.

Additional structural and operative features of the cleaning assembly 10include a fluid supply generally indicated as 32 and more specificallycomprising at least one, but possibly a plurality of fluid reservoirs 34and 34′. Each of the fluid reservoirs 34 and 34′, and accordingly thefluid supply 32, is structured to contain an appropriate quantity ofcleaning fluid. As represented in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 the fluid supply 32may also include a fluid supply container 32′ having an access opening33 to facilitate filling thereof. Moreover, the supply container 32′ maybe connected in fluid communication with the fluid reservoirs 34 and34′, so as to supply cleaning fluid thereto. As further represented thefluid supply assembly 32 and the structural and operative componentsassociated therewith are removably mounted and/or connected to asupporting frame 35 on the interior of the casing 12, preferably as partof a replaceable cartridge 100. An alternative but additional preferredembodiment comprises each of the fluid reservoirs 34 and 34′ containingan independent supply of cleaning fluid. Regardless of which embodimentof the cleaning fluid supply 32 is utilized, the composition of thecleaning fluid is preferably alcohol based and may comprise anantimicrobial liquid. The cleaning fluid is thereby formulated to effecta cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilizing action on exposed portionsof the head 14 while it passes in the intended direction 31 along theopen channel 30 which comprise the path of travel of the head 14 atleast partially on the interior of the housing 12. Each of thereservoirs 34 and 34′ are associated with a different dispenser assembly36 and 38 preferably, but not exclusively, in the form of separate pumpand/or dispensing valve mechanisms which include spray nozzles or heads36″ and 38″. As also represented each of the dispenser assemblies 36 and38, being in the form of pump mechanisms, may include a dip tube 36′ and38′ respectively, which are disposed within the interior of thecorresponding reservoirs 34 and 34′. In at least one preferredembodiment of the present invention each of the pump mechanisms 36 and38 defining respective ones of dispenser assemblies are operative when adownward or other appropriately directed force is exerted thereon. Theapplied force is of sufficient magnitude to cause the dispensing of thecleaning fluid from within the respective fluid reservoirs 34 and 34′onto at least a portion of an applicator assembly 40, to be described ingreater detail with specific reference to FIG. 7 through 10.

Dispensing of the cleaning fluid is accomplished by operativeinteraction of the fluid supply assembly 32 and more specifically, thedispenser assemblies 36 and 38 with an activating assembly generallyindicated as 63. The activating assembly 63 includes at least one butpreferably a plurality of activating members 64 preferably in the formof lever arms, which are equal in number to the one or more fluidreservoirs 34 and 34′ and associated dispenser assemblies 36 and 38. Asshould be apparent, each of the one or more activating members 64 aremovably connected on the interior of the housing 12 and are normallybiased or otherwise positioned into an initial position represented inFIG. 4. However, the connection and structure of each of the activatingmembers 64 is such as to facilitate cooperative disposition of theactivating members 64 into an operative position represented in FIG. 5.

With primary reference to FIG. 4, the initial position of the activatingmembers 64 are such as to be disposed in substantially interruptiverelation to the path of travel 30 and more specifically, in interruptiverelation to the head 14 passing in the intended direction 31 along thepath of travel 30. Accordingly, once the head 14 passes into theentrance 24 and begins to travel along the aforementioned path of travel30, 31 portions of the head 14 located on the interior of the casing 12will engage each of the activating members 64 in driving relationthereto forcing the activating members 64 into an operative positionrepresented in FIG. 5. As such, a substantial “camming” action willoccur between the forced travel of the head 14 and the engaged portionsof the activating members 64. Such driven engagement will force theactivating members 64 into the operative position of FIG. 5 and intooperative, activating position and/or relation to the respectivedispenser assemblies 36 and 38. Such operative engagement between theactivating members 64 and the dispenser assemblies 36 and 38 involves anappropriately directed driving and/or operating force being applied tothe respective dispenser assemblies 36 and 38 and accordingly the pumpmechanisms defined thereby. An appropriate mechanical linkage assembly,collectively represented in FIGS. 3 through 6, 11 and 12, is disposedand structured to operatively interconnect each of the activatingmembers 64 with corresponding ones of the dispenser assemblies 36 and 38respectively.

As represented, the mechanical linkage assembly may assume a variety ofstructural and operative features which serve to transfer a sufficientdriving or activating force from the activating members 64 to thedispenser assemblies or pump mechanisms 36 and 38. Such a driving,activating force will be established by the activating members 64 beingforcibly driven by their engagement with the head 14 as it passes alongthe path of travel 30 in the intended direction 31. Accordingly, theoperative position of the activating assembly 63 and more specifically,the activating members 64 may be further defined by their drivenengagement with the head portion 14 and their concurrent driving,operative relation to each of the dispenser assemblies 36 and 38, due tothe provision of the aforementioned and represented linkage assembly, asthe head portion 14 passes along the path of travel 30.

With primary reference to FIGS. 4-6, 11 and 12, operative features ofthe cleaning assembly 10 of the present invention are more clearlyrepresented by a more detailed description of the structural andoperative components primarily, but not exclusively, associated with thelinkage assembly. In addition, the operative inter-workings of thevarious components associated with the mechanical linkage assembly willbetter facilitate an understanding of the cooperative structuring andoperation of the activating assembly 63. This will be demonstrated interms of the activating members 64 engaging and being driven by the head14 into the operative position generally indicated in FIG. 5, as thehead 14 travels along the intended path of travel 30 in the intendeddirection 31. Accordingly, a mounting frame 60 is connected on theinterior of the casing 12 and is structured to at least partially andpreferably removably support and cooperatively position the fluid supplyassembly 32 and the activating assembly 63. As will be apparent theintended cooperative positioning of the fluid supply 32 and theactivating assembly 63 is such as to force a dispensing of the cleaningfluid from each of the reservoirs 34 and 34′ by means of appropriateforces being exerted on the respective dispenser assemblies 36 and 38which, as set forth above, may be in the form of pump mechanisms. Asrepresented throughout the accompanying Figures, each of the one or morepump or dispensing valve mechanisms defining the dispenser assemblies 36and 38 also include a spray head or nozzle 36″ and 38″

As represented in FIGS. 11 and 12, each of the activating members orlever arms 64 passes through appropriate apertures 65 in the mountingplate 60. Moreover, the lever arms 64 communicate with the additionalmechanical linkage, represented in FIG. 6, located on the opposite orrear side of the mounting frame 60. Accordingly, passage of the head 14along the path of travel 30, 31 will cause an outward pivotal movementor separation of the lever arms 64 from the initial position of FIG. 5to the operative position of FIG. 6.

As represented in FIGS. 4 through 6, the first lever arms 64 are alsoconnected to individual gear segments 69 disposed on the opposite sideof the mounting frame 60 relative to the location of the first set oflever arms 64. As such each gear segment 69 is movable with acorresponding one of the lever arms 64 as they pass from the initialposition of FIG. 4 to the operative position of FIG. 5. Of course, itrecognized that the term gear segment 69 can refer to an actual gear orother mechanism which achieves the desired movement. As also shown inFIG. 6, each of the gear segments 69 are disposed in meshed engagementwith one another and are attached to separate connecting links 70. Inturn, each connecting link 70 is movably connected and drivinglyattached to corresponding ones of a second set of lever arms 72 asrepresented in FIG. 6. The lever arms 72 are connected in a biasedrelation to one another by a biasing spring 74 and are thereby normallymaintained in the initial position as that of the first set of leverarms 64 as represented in FIG. 4.

Accordingly, a separation or appropriate relative movement of theactivating members or first lever arms 64 as they engage the head 14passing along the path of travel 30, in the intended direction 31, willcause an outwardly directed movement of the second lever arms 72 inaccordance with directional arrows 72′ as well as a substantiallydownward movement of the lower end of the secondary lever arms 72 asindicated by directional arrows 72″.

As best represented in FIGS. 4 through 6, the lower ends of each of thelever arms 72 are connected to plunger members 78. Accordingly, as thelower ends of the lever arms 72 pass downwardly or in anotherappropriate direction 72″ they will forcibly engage and drive theplunger members 78. This will force each of the plunger members 78 toengage and apply an activating force to corresponding ones of thedispenser members 36 and 38, causing a dispensing of the cleaning fluid.Appropriate channels or elongated slots as at 79 and 79′ are provided ofsufficient dimension and configuration to facilitate the downwardpassage or other appropriately directed travel of both the plungermembers 78 and interconnected plunger heads 78′ associated therewith.

Therefore, as set forth above and explained with the schematicrepresentation of FIGS. 4 through 6 and 10, a single, unidirectional,one handed, “swiping” passage of the stethoscope head 14 into theentrance 24 and along the path of travel 30,31 will cause the separationof the activating members or first lever arms 64. Accordingly, theforced separation of the activating members 64 will in turn deliver anactivating force to the dispenser members 36 and 38. This activatingforce will cause cleaning fluid to be delivered to an applicatorassembly 40 as represented in FIG. 7 through 10 and described in detailhereinafter.

With primary reference to FIG. 10, one preferred embodiment of theaforementioned applicator assembly 40 includes a plurality of applicatormembers 52, 54 and 56. It is emphasized that the intended spirit andscope of the present invention may include a greater or lesser number ofapplicator members and their disposition within the casing 12 may varyfrom that represented in FIG. 4. However, regardless of the variouspossible structural and operative modifications, the applicator assembly40 is disposed and structured to apply the cleaning fluid to theintended, exposed portions of the head 14. In addition, in theembodiment of FIG. 10 a cleaning engagement and a finishing engagementare also preferably included to complete the cleaning procedure. Morespecifically, applicator member 52 comprises an at least partiallyabsorbent or non-absorbent applicator material as at 52′ disposed inreceiving relation to cleaning fluid being dispensed from the one ormore fluid reservoirs 34 and 34′. Accordingly, the dispenser assembliesor pump mechanisms 36 and 38 are disposed and structured to dispensefluid directly onto the applicator member material 52′. As the head 14travels along the path of travel 30, 31 it will engage and apply thecleaning fluid directly to the exposed, intended surfaces or portions ofthe head 14. It should be further noted that the dispenser assemblies 36and 38 may include structural orientation features associated therewith,such that the cleaning fluid will be consistently dispensed on to anappropriate portion, as at 52′ of the applicator assembly 40 to assureproper cleaning of the head 14.

While at least one preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomprises the cleaning fluid delivered to the applicator member 52, itis also contemplated that the cleaning fluid could be applied directlyonto the surface(s) of the head 14 which are to be cleaned, rather thanon the applicator member 52. In such a modification, the applicatormember 52 would still be disposed and structured to perform the desireddistributing, wiping or other appropriate action on the surfaces of thehead 14 in order to facilitate the cleaning thereof.

Further with regard to the structure and function of the applicatorassembly 40, as the head 14 continues to travel along the path of travel30,31 on the interior of the housing 12, it will preferably engage acleaning member 54′ mounted on or otherwise directly associated with theapplicator member 54. In at least one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the cleaning member 54′ is defined by a brush and/orbristle array or assembly and/or contact elements. As such, the cleaningfluid existing on the intended portions of the head 14 will be spreadover and thoroughly engage all intended portions of the cleaning head14, including the diaphragm 16 and/or other contiguous surface portions.Further, the structuring of the brush or bristle array or assembly 54′may be such as to provide an at least mildly abrasive engagement oraction so as to accomplish thorough cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing,etc. Naturally, materials other than a brush or bristle assembly 54′ maybe utilized and the cleaning engagement applied to the diaphragm 16 andother portions of the head 14 may be other than mildly abrasive.

As the head 14 continues to travel in the intended direction 31 alongthe path of travel 30, it will engage a finishing structure 56′ mountedon or directly associated with the applicator member 56. In at least onepreferred embodiment, the finishing member 56′ comprises one or aplurality of “squeegee” members which engage exposed portions of thehead 14 and as such serve to remove excess cleaning fluid stillremaining thereon. The head 14 will thereby be dried or at leastpartially dried. Subsequent to passage beyond the applicator member 56,the head 14 is removed from the interior of the housing 12 through theexit portion 26.

Accordingly, the squeegee assembly may include one or more ribs whichmay be flexible or otherwise appropriately structured to movably engagethe exposed diaphragm and/or rib surface of the head 14 so as to removeexcess cleaning fluid there from. Further, the squeegee assembly islocated on the interior of the housing 12 and as such will direct,deposit or otherwise facilitate collection of the removed, excesscleaning fluid on the interior of the housing 12 for eventual removal,as indicated.

It is emphasized that while the structures and materials of the one ormore applicator members 52, 52′; 54, 54′ and/or 56, 56′ may be disposedand structured to provide different types of cleaning engagement withthe surfaces or parts of the head portion intended to be cleaned, all ofthe different types of cleaning procedures may be accurately andgenerically described herein as performing a “cleaning action”.

As set forth above, the applicator assembly 40 can include a pluralityof applicator members which may vary in position, number and purpose. Byway of example, the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 and 11 may differ from theembodiment of FIG. 10 by including an applicator assembly 40 preferablycomprising two applicator members including a combined absorbentapplicator member 52 and/or cleaning brush type structure or array 54.Accordingly, it is intended that one or more of the various applicatormembers 52, 54, 56, etc. may be combined in function and structure, atleast to the extent of effectively and efficiently cleaning the intendedand exposed portions of the cleaning head 14 as it passes along theintended path of travel 30, 31.

As also clearly represented in FIGS. 7 through 9, 11 and 12, the fluidsupply assembly 32 along with the individual fluid dispensers 36 and 38may be effectively combined to define a removable, replaceable cartridgeassembly collectively indicated as 100. Moreover, one or more of thecartridge assemblies 100 may be removed, replaced, repaired, refilled,etc. and as such are securely but removably connected to the carrierframe 60. Also, a mounting panel 35′ may be structured to support and/orhave secured thereon the plurality of applicator members 52, 54, 56,etc. and be fixedly or removably connected to the base 35. Also, thebase 35 of the supporting panel 35′ may be interconnected to the fluidsupply assembly 32, including the supply container 32′, wherein theseparate reservoirs 34 and 34′ are also operatively connected to supplycontainer 32′. Accordingly, the assembled cartridge 100, as representedin FIGS. 6-8, comprises the combined fluid supply assembly 32 andapplicator assembly 40 and may be removably connected to the carrierframe 60, as best represented in FIGS. 11 and 12. Removable attachmentof the cartridge 100 may be accomplished by connectors 80 by otherappropriate means. As such, the bracket like connectors 80 may be usedto facilitate the attachment of other operative components of thecleaning assembly 10 including the various individual linkage componentsalso represented in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Accordingly, it should be apparent that effective and reliable cleaningof exposed portions of the head 14 can be accomplished by a single,unidirectional, “swipe” of the cleaning head 14 along the path of travel30, 31. Therefore, repeatedly passing or like reciprocally directedmovement or travel of the cleaning head 14 is not required. As such,many of the disadvantages and problems recognized in conventional orknown cleaning devices intended for this purpose are overcome.

Additional structural features of the present invention are representedin FIGS. 1 and 2 and comprise an indicator assembly generally indicatedas 90. The indicator assembly 90 may include a plurality of related andoperatively appropriate components including a viewing structure such aswindow 92 cooperatively disposed on the housing 12 and/or on the one ormore reservoirs 34 and 34′ and/or the fluid supply container 32′. Assuch, the quantity of cleaning fluid remaining therein may be visuallyobserved. A user can determine when additional cleaning fluid need bereplaced in the one or more reservoirs 34 and/or 34′ and/or the fluidsupply container 32′. In addition, the indicator assembly 90 may or maynot include a float structure 94 which may have an appropriate specificgravity to allow it to float on the top of the liquid level of thecleaning fluid. As such, movement of the float structure 94 willcorrespond to the level of cleaning fluid remaining in one or both ofthe reservoirs 34 and/or 34′ and/or the fluid supply container 32′. Theembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 represent the indicator assembly 90including a single viewing structure or window 92 as well as a singlefloat structure 94. However, the intended spirit and scope of thepresent invention includes the indicator assembly 90 also comprising aplurality of such windows or viewing structures 92 and/or a plurality offloat structures 94. In either of these embodiments, the viewingstructures or windows 92, provided with or without the float structures94, are appropriately and operatively positioned relative to one or moreof the reservoirs 34 and 34′ and/or the fluid supply container 32′ so asto determine the remaining quantity of cleaning fluid in the cleaningassembly 10.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed toa removable, replaceable cartridge 100′ as represented in FIGS. 13 and14. The replaceable cartridge 100′ is operatively similar but at leastpartially structurally distinguishable from the removable cartridge 100as represented in FIGS. 7 through 9. Also, cartridge 100′ includes manyof the structural and operative features, set forth in detail above,with reference to the cartridge 100, including, but not limited to, afluid supply assembly 132 and an applicator assembly 140. In addition,the activating assembly 63, including at least one but preferably aplurality of activating members 64, is operatively associated with thedispenser assemblies 136 and 138 also in the manner described in detailabove and represented throughout the Figures.

Yet additional structural features of the removable, replaceablecartridge 100′ include the fluid supply assembly 132 comprising at leastone but preferably two fluid reservoirs 134 and 134′ structured tocontain cleaning fluid which is dispensed through interaction betweenthe activating assembly 63, as set forth above, and the dispenserassemblies 136 and 138. As with the previously described cartridge 100,each of the dispenser assemblies 136 and 138 include a dispensing heador nozzle 136″ and 138″ as well as associated dip tubes or otherdispensing components not specifically represented in FIGS. 13 and 14.The removable cartridge 100′ further includes a fluid supply container132′ which may hold an appropriate amount of cleaning fluid. Thecleaning fluid contained within the fluid supply container 132′ may betransferred or otherwise disposed in fluid communicating with theindividual reservoirs 134 and 134′ or be independently stored therefrom.

As also represented in FIGS. 13 and 14, the removable, replaceablecartridge 100′ includes the aforementioned applicator assembly 140. Theapplicator assembly 140 comprises at least one but preferably aplurality of applicator members 152, 154, etc. disposed adjacent to oneanother along the supporting frame or base 135. It is emphasized thatwhile the applicator members 152 and 154 are represented in spacedrelation to one another on the supporting frame or base 135 they mayalso be disposed in substantially contiguous relation to one another,such that the ending of the applicator member 152 is contiguous to thebeginning of the applicator member 154. Further, the materials fromwhich the applicator members 152, 154, etc. are formed may differ so asto provide different “cleaning actions” when the applicator membersconfrontingly engage the surfaces of the head portion 14 intended to becleaned.

As described above and with specific reference to the embodiment of FIG.10, the materials from which the applicator members 152, 154, etc. areformed may provide different types of cleaning actions such as, but notlimited to, wiping, finishing, cleaning or providing a mild abrasiveaction, etc. Further by way of example, applicator member 152 maycomprise an at least partially absorbent or non-absorbent applicatormaterial disposed in receiving relation to cleaning fluid beingdispensed from the one or more fluid reservoirs 134 and 134′. As such,the dispenser assemblies 136 and 138 and specifically the spray heads ornozzles 136″ and 138″ are disposed and structured to dispose fluiddirectly on to the upper most applicator member 152. The additional oneor more applicator members 154, etc. may be disposed somewhat beneaththe upper most applicator member 152 and as such may receive, throughgravity flow, the cleaning fluid initially dispensed onto the upper mostapplicator member 152. In order to accomplish such preferred directionaldispensing of the cleaning fluid, it should be noted that in theembodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, as well as the embodiment of thecartridge 100 as represented in FIGS. 7 through 9, the dispenserassemblies 136 and 138 are located somewhat “forward” of the applicatorassembly 140. This disposition, along with a predetermined spray patternissuing from the spray heads or nozzles 136″ and 138″ serves topreferably direct the cleaning fluid onto the upper most one of theapplicator members 152. Thereafter, gravity flow of the cleaning fluid,as well as the travel of the head portion itself, will serve to at leastpartially transfer some of the cleaning fluid onto the other one or moreapplicator members 154, etc. However, structural modifications or otherembodiments of the cartridge assemblies 100, 100′ may also include thecleaning fluid being applied directly to the intended exposed surfacesof the head portion or alternately to additional ones of the applicatormembers 152, 154, etc. As also explained with regard to the embodimentof FIG. 10, as the head 14 continues to travel along the path of travel30 in the intended direction 31 on the interior of the housing 12, itwill preferably engage each of the plurality of applicator members 152,154, etc.

In addition, the applicator assemblies 40 and 140, specificallyincluding the respective applicator members associated therewith, mayalso include an appropriate cleaning agent, preferably in the form of anantimicrobial agent, incorporated and/or integrated directly in at leastone or all of the plurality of applicator members. Moreover, theincorporation of such an antimicrobial agent directly into the materialsof the plurality of applicator members would further enhance thecleaning of the head portion coming into contact therewith. Morespecifically, the structure of one or all of the applicator members issuch that the antimicrobial agent integrated or incorporated thereinwill be applied to the engaged surfaces or portions of the head as ittravels along the path of travel. Of course this will be in addition tothe cleaning fluid directed on to the applicator member(s) through thespray heads or nozzles from the respective reservoirs. Also, suchintegration or incorporation of an appropriate antimicrobial agent willhave the additional feature of preventing or significantly reducing theability of microorganisms to colonize on the applicator members or otherdirectly associated parts of the applicator assembly 40 and/or 140.

Further, in order to effectively assure that all of the intendedsurfaces of the head portion 14 are cleaned, at least one, butpreferably all, of the applicator members 152, 154, etc. are formed of amalleable and/or flexible material. More specifically, the malleablematerial from which one or more of the applicator members 152, 154, etc.is formed has sufficient flexibility or other “conforming capabilities”to engage and thereby provide an appropriate cleaning action to the head14. As noted herein, a typical structure of a head portion 14 of astethoscope may include the centrally disposed diaphragm 16 and thesurrounding of retaining rim 18. Accordingly, the malleable materialfrom which one or more of the applicator members 152, 154, etc. are atleast partially formed includes sufficient physical characteristics toassure conformance of the respective applicator members 152, 154, etc.to all of the exposed surfaces of the head portion 14 which are intendedto be cleaned.

Additional structural features of the preferred embodiment of thecartridge assembly 100′ may also include an indicator assembly generallyindicated as 90 and specifically represented in the embodiments of FIGS.1 and 2. The indicator assembly 90 may include a plurality of relatedand operatively appropriate components including a viewing structure,such as a window 92 cooperatively disposed on the housing or otherviewable portions of the cartridge assembly 100′ so as to view theinterior content of the reservoirs 134 and 134′ and/or the fluidcontainer 132′. As a result, quantity determination of cleaning fluidremaining therein may be established. This will further facilitate adetermination as to when the cartridge 100 or 100′ need be removed fromthe housing 12 and replaced by a different “full” cartridge. Naturally,the cartridge 100 and 100′ may be replaced for other reasons such asreplacement or repair of the applicator members associated with theapplicator assembly 40 or 140 and/or a malfunction of the dispenserassemblies associated with the removable, replaceable cartridgeassemblies 100 and 100′.

In addition, in order to assure that the cartridge 100 or 100′ isproperly but removably disposed in its intended operative positionwithin the housing 12, an appropriate locking assembly may be disposedon or within the housing and structured to securely but removablyconnect the cartridge(s) 100 or 100′ in the aforementioned operativeposition. Further, such a locking assembly could be structured toproduce a “click” or other appropriate sound, indicating that thecartridge 100 or 100′ is properly connected.

With primary reference to FIG. 14, additional structural features of thecartridge 100′ may include a “disinfecting station” comprising a hand,automatic, or manually activated dispensing assembly 170. As a partthereof, a dispensing element 172 is disposed and structured to dispensepredetermined quantities of a cleaning fluid, represented in phantomlines in FIG. 14, from the interior of the fluid container 132′. Thiscleaning fluid may be used to clean or disinfect an operator's hands,wherein the cleaning fluid dispensed through the manual or hand operateddispensing assembly 170 may include any of a variety of different typesof hand gels, foams or solutions appropriately formulated for use as atopical application for cleaning the hands of the user. Accordingly thevarious embodiments of the cleaning assembly 10 of the present inventiondemonstrate additional versatility through the possible provision of thedisinfecting assembly or station 170 and release element 172 located onthe housing in a readily accessible and convenient location. As such,users of the cleaning assembly 10 may use the disinfecting station 170to clean, disinfect, etc. their hands, before and/or after use of thecleaning assembly 10.

As set forth above, the various structural and operative components ofthe cleaning assembly of the present invention may vary depending on thepractical application and/or desired operational features. Accordingly,with primary reference to FIGS. 15-17, yet another embodiment of thepresent invention includes a removable, replaceable cartridge 200structured to be removably disposed within the housing or casing 12, asdescribed above. The cartridge 200 includes a support or carrier frame210 which also may vary in structure and be connected to a plurality ofoperative components of the cartridge assembly 200. In addition, thecartridge assembly 200 may include connecting or mounting structures 212which facilitate the removable, replaceable securement of the cartridgeassembly 212 within the interior of the housing or casing 12. Moreover,as with the cartridge assemblies 100 and 100′, as described above, thecartridge assembly 200 may be easily removed, replaced, repaired,refilled, etc. as needed. The cartridge assembly 200 also includes abase 260 secured to the frame 210 or integrally and/or fixedly connectedas a part thereof.

Additional structural features of the removable, replaceable cartridgeassembly 200 includes a fluid supply assembly generally indicated as 232and including at least one but preferably a plurality of at least twofluid reservoirs 234 and 234′. Each of the fluid reservoirs 234 and 234′are operatively associated with a dispenser assembly includingindividual, correspondingly disposed dispenser structures 236 and 238.Each of the dispenser structures 236 and 238 include a dispensing heador nozzle 236′ and 238′ which may be associated with a pump or otherfluid dispensing structure. A dip tube or other access component may beused to communicate directly with the cleaning fluid disposed within theindividual fluid reservoirs 234 and 234′ or a common fluid supplycontainer 232′ of the cleaning fluid. As set forth above, structuraldetails of an appropriate pump or like dispenser device as well as theassociated dip tube or other dispensing components may be considered thestructural and operational equivalent as that used with the preferredembodiments of FIGS. 1-14.

Additional structural features of the removable, replaceable cartridgeassembly 200 include the provision of an applicator assembly generallyindicated as 240. In this preferred embodiment, the applicator assembly240 includes a plurality of applicator segments 242 connected to a base260 and extending outwardly therefrom into the path of travel 30, 31 asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 10 and into interruptive,engaging relation to the head portion 14 as it moves there along. Aswith the embodiments of FIGS. 1-14, the housing 12 includes an entranceportion and an exit portion and the path of travel 30, 31 extends therebetween. The housing 12 and the path of travel are structured tofacilitate the swiping motion and movement of the head portion 14 on theinterior of the housing 12 and along the path of travel 30 in thedirection 31. As set forth above, the cleaning action or cleaningprocedure is performed at least on the diaphragm 16 and retaining rim18, at least in part, by engagement by the applicator assembly 240 andplurality of applicator segments. Further, at least some or morepractically at least a majority or all of the plurality of applicatorsegments 242 are inclined at a sufficiently angular orientation relativeto the base 260 so as to provide the intended cleaning action on theengaged portions of the head portion 14, while at the same time servingto remove excess fluid or other unwanted remnants from the diaphragm 16and retaining rim 18. In one embodiment this inclination is downwardtowards the base 260 so movement is directed towards the base, however,it is recognized that the inclination could also be downward away fromthe base 260 so that movement is directed away from the base.

More specifically, the plurality of applicator segments 242 may includean interior channel 243 having a substantially concave, transversecross-sectional configuration, wherein the interior channel 243 extendsalong the length of the applicator segments 242 from a front or free endthereof to the exposed surface of the base 260. Moreover, the inclined,angular orientations of the plurality of applicator segments 242 alongwith the provision of the concave interior recesses 243, will serve toprovide a cleaning action on the engaged portions of the head portion 14and also have a tendency to at least partially remove excess fluid andunwanted remnants from the head portion 14, by directing such remnantsaway from the engaged surfaces of the head portion 14. As a result, theengaged portions of the head portion 14 will be cleaned and free ofunwanted remnants. In order to provide an appropriate an intendedcleaning action on the head portion 14, the plurality of applicatorsegments 242 are formed of a flexible, resilient material whichfacilitates an at least minimal conforming of each of the applicatorsegments 242 to the surfaces of the head portion 14 which are engagedthereby. However, the plurality of applicator segments 242 may have atleast a minimal amount of semi-rigid characteristics to be “shapestable”. As such the applicator segments 242 are able to assume theirintended position, orientation and configuration as clearly representedin FIGS. 15 and 16 after engaging and performing a cleaning action onthe head portion 14 as it moves along the path of travel 30, 31 on theinterior of the housing or casing 12 and along the length of thecartridge 200.

In order to engage intended surface portions of the head portion 14 andperform the intended cleaning action on at least the diaphragm 16 andretaining rim 18, the plurality of applicator segments 242 are arrangedin a predetermined array, which could be random or symmetric. Oneembodiment of such a predetermined array is represented in FIGS. 15 and16 and comprises the plurality of applicator segments 242 being spacedlaterally as well as longitudinally from one another, respectively alongthe width and length of the base 260. As should be apparent, the terms“width” and “length”, when referring to the base 260, is meant todescribe lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the base 260, when thecartridge assembly 200 is in the operative orientation as represented inFIGS. 15-17. Accordingly, the predetermined array of the plurality ofapplicator segments 242, as well as the structure, disposition andorientation thereof, facilitate both the application and a partialremoval of the cleaning fluid relative to the engaged portions of thehead portion 14 as it moves along the path of travel 30, 31. Therefore,the predetermined array of the plurality of applicator segments 242 alsoincludes spaced apart groupings of applicator segments, as at 242′ and242″, separated by an extended panel portion 245, as represented in FIG.16. It is emphasized that the structure, disposition, dimensions and/orconfigurations of the predetermined array, as well as that of thecomponents of which it is comprised, may vary from that represented inthe embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16. However, common to a plurality of thevarious structural modifications, which may define the differentpossible predetermined arrays, is the ability to remove excess fluidfrom the diaphragm 16 and retaining rim 18, while leaving at least athin film or coating of cleaning fluid thereon. Again, the coating orfilm of cleaning fluid remaining on the head portion 14 should not beexcessive in quantity but still sufficient to further facilitate thedisinfection of the head portion 14 after it passes from the path oftravel 30, 31 and out of the housing 12, where the film or coatingnaturally evaporates. Therefore, as the head portion 14 passes along thepath of travel 30, 31, it will engage at least some of the plurality ofapplicator segments 242 which will perform the aforementioned cleaningaction on the engaged surfaces thereof. Thereafter, as the head portion14 reaches the extended portion 245 of the panel 244, a substantiallycentrally located portion of the diaphragm 16 and retaining rim 18 willpass from and beyond any of the applicator segments 242 and pass over,but not necessarily engage, the extended portion 245 of the panel 244.However, the lateral or side portions of the diaphragm 16 and retainingrim 18 will engage the spaced apart groupings 242′ and 242″ of theapplicator segments 242, wherein cleaning fluid and cleaning action willstill be applied thereto, while facilitating the removal of unwantedremnants from these lateral or side portions. As a result, a coating,film or like quantity of the cleaning fluid will remain on the diaphragm16 and retaining rim 18 of head portion 14 even after it is removed fromthe path of travel 30 and the casing 12. The quantity of the remainingcoating of the cleaning fluid still present on the diaphragm 16 and/orretaining rim 18 will be such as to evaporate in the normal fashion oncethe head portion 14 is removed from the casing 12, while still acting toaid in the disinfecting of the head portion 14.

In order to assure removal of excess cleaning fluid while assuring thatan at least minimal quantity in the form of the aforementioned coatingor film of the cleaning fluid remains on the head portion 14, a skimmerassembly may be provided in at least one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The skimmer assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 15and 16 includes a plurality of skimmer structures or members 247,located at the lower or trailing periphery or peripheral end of thearray of the plurality of applicator segments 242. These skimmerstructures or members 247 will protrude, at least partially into thepath of travel 30 and into interruptive relation with thecorrespondingly disposed surfaces of the head portion 14. Due to theskimmer members 247 protruding outwardly from the base 260 and/or panel244, they will engage and provide a skimming or “squeegee” action on theengaged, surface portions of the head portion 14. Accordingly, anyexcess cleaning fluid will thereby be removed from these engagedsurfaces, while at least some or even a majority surface of thediaphragm 16 and retaining rim 18 of the head portion 14 maintains atleast a thin or minimal quantity in the form of a coating of thecleaning fluid thereon. As set forth above, the remaining coating ofcleaning fluid will be sufficient to further facilitate the disinfectingof the head portion 14 and subsequently evaporate, once the head portion14 is removed from the housing or casing 12.

Additional structural and operative features of the preferred embodimentof the cartridge assembly 200, as represented in FIGS. 15-17, includethe dispenser assemblies 236 and 238, including the dispenser heads ornozzles 236′ and 238′ being disposed in a predetermined relativedisposition and orientation relative to one another and to theapplicator assembly 240 and path of travel 30. More specifically, thedispenser heads or nozzles 236′ and 238′ are disposed in alongitudinally offset relation to one another. As represented in FIGS.15 and 16, dispenser assembly 236 and associated dispenser head ornozzle 236′ are located at a lower position along the length of the base260 and applicator assembly 240 relative to the higher longitudinalposition of the dispenser assembly 238 and dispensing header nozzle238′. Also, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, the dispenserassemblies 236 and 238 and there associated dispenser heads or nozzles236′ and 238′ are located somewhat “forward” of the applicator assembly240.

This off-set disposition of the dispenser heads or nozzles 236′ and238′, serves to direct the cleaning fluid into the path of travel 30, 31forward of, but in communicating relation with, the applicator assembly240 and at different “higher and lower” portions of the path of travel30, 31 and the applicator assembly 240. As such, the concurrent travelof the head portion 14 along the path of travel will expose it to thecleaning fluid as the cleaning fluid is directed into the path of travel30, 31 in the manner set forth above. Thereafter, gravity flow of thecleaning fluid, as well as movement of the head portion 14, will serveto at least partially transfer the cleaning fluid onto all or at leastthe majority of the applicator segments 242 located beneath the actualintroduction of the cleaning fluid into the path of travel 30, 31.

Yet additional structural and operative features associated with thecartridge assembly 200 include a display structure generally indicatedas 280. The display structure 280 includes a display field 282 connectedto the cartridge 200 and more specifically fixedly or removablyconnected to the frame 210. The display field 282 is more specificallydefined by an area of display on which various types of indicia may bedisposed. Such indicia may comprise advertising, trademarks, tradenames, logos, as well as or in addition to, instructional orinformational displays. As such, the display field or display area 282is disposed exteriorly of the housing or casing 12 when the cartridge200 is removably mounted on the interior thereof. The display area orfield 282 is thereby clearly visible by users of the cleaning assemblyof the present invention and/or others in the vicinity thereof.

While not specifically described with reference to the preferredembodiment of the removable cartridge assembly 200, the cleaning fluidcontained in the individual reservoirs 234 and 234′ or a central orcommon fluid supply container 232′ may have the same formulation as thatdescribed above with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-14. Similarly,activation of the dispenser assembly 236 and 238 is accomplished in thesame substantial fashion as represented in the above the embodiments ofthe above described Figures wherein the dispenser assemblies 236 and 238are actuated concurrently during and effectively by the passage of thehead portion 14 along the path of travel 30 in the direction 31.

With primary reference to FIGS. 18-29, another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention including structural and operative modificationsthereof is directed to a cleaning assembly 300 and 300′ structured torestrict contamination of individuals due to contact, engagement orother close association with the heads 14 of stethoscopes. Morespecifically distinguishing features associated with the preferredembodiments of FIGS. 18-29 include the absence of the dispensing of acleaning fluid. Alternatively, the cleaning assemblies 300 and 300′incorporate the distribution, dispensing and/or transfer a barrier 301into engagement with exposed, predetermined surface portions of thestethoscope heads 14 as they pass along the aforementioned path oftravel, 30, 31 within housing 112. Preferably, each of a plurality ofbarriers 301 are formed from a flexible material structured to removablyadhere or “cling” to the stethoscope heads 14 such that the exposed,surfaces thereof which would normally or possibly come into contact witha patient are covered. As such, these exposed surfaces of thestethoscope heads 14 are prevented from direct confronting engagementwith the skin or other portions of the patient and/or medical personnelusing the stethoscopes. Further, each of the plurality of barriers 301may include a disinfecting agent and/or cleaning fluid associatedtherewith. As such, contamination of individuals which are associatedwith the heads 14 of stethoscopes would be further protected fromcontamination thereby.

Moreover, the plurality of protective barriers 301 may be initiallydisposed in a stacked array as represented in FIGS. 20-22. As such, thestacked array includes a base 303 of an interconnected, overlying,“stacked” plurality of barriers 301 disposed within an appropriateportion of the housing 112 and/or on the support frame or cartridge200′. As such, a cavity, chamber, or compartment 306 may be connected toor be disposed on the supporting frame or cartridge 200′ and bedimensioned and configured to removably house the plurality of barriers301. Accordingly, the stacked array facilitates the positioning of anexposed one 301′ of the plurality of barriers 301 in direct, exposed,communication, and transferring relation to the path of travel 30, 31and more specifically a stethoscope head 14 passing along the path oftravel 30, such as in the direction 31, as described in detail above.The plurality of barriers 301 defining the stacked array base 303thereof are preferably, removably connected to one another such as by aconnecting segment 305 removably connected to each of the barriers 301,including the exposed barrier 301′ along a weakened or perforatedjunction line 305′. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter,disposition of the exposed barrier 301′ into a transferring relation toa head 14 passing along the path of travel 30, 31 will result in adisconnection or separation of the primary or main portion of theexposed barrier 301′ from the connecting segment 305 along the weakenedor perforated junction 305′.

The dispensing or transferring of an exposed barrier 301′ onto theexposed, predetermined surfaces of the stethoscope head 14 will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter, specifically with reference tothe operative and structural features of the embodiment of FIGS. 20 and22. However, with primary reference to the embodiment of FIG. 23, theplurality of barriers 301 may be mounted on and operatively disposedinto a transferring position or orientation, while the plurality ofbarriers 301 are at least initially disposed, as when loaded on orconnected to the support frame 200′, 210 in a “rolled collection” 303.The rolled collection 303 specifically refers to the collection or arrayof a plurality of barriers 301 when they are initially stored in arolled orientation relative to one another. Accordingly, an exposed one301′ of the barriers of the plurality of barriers 301 are individuallyand successively disposed into a transferring orientation or position soas to be transferred on to and cover the stethoscope head 14 in a mannersomewhat different from that associated with the stacked array ofbarriers as represented in the embodiments of FIGS. 20-22.

Accordingly, the plurality of barriers 301 may be at least initiallydisposed, such as when mounted within the housing 112 on the supportframe or cartridge 200′, 210 in either a stacked array, as previouslydescribed or in a rolled collection 303 as represented in FIG. 23.Further, the spirit and scope of the present invention contemplates theinitial orientation, array, collection, etc. of the plurality ofbarriers 301 into a collective configuration other than the stackedarray of the embodiments of FIGS. 20-22 or the rolled collection 303 asrepresented in the embodiment of FIG. 23. Further, with regard to theembodiment of FIG. 23, a casing 307 of the rolled collection 303 may beprovided to initially contain and/or support the rolled collection 303of the plurality of barriers 301 such that successive ones of thebarriers 301 will be disposed in the exposed position, as at 301′. Thetransfer or dispensing of the exposed barrier 301′ onto the exposed,predetermined surfaces of the head 14 of the stethoscope is therebyfacilitated.

Further with regard to the operational and structural features of theembodiment of FIGS. 20-22, the assembly 300, when associated with theplurality of barriers 301 in a stacked array further includes anactivating assembly 63 including at least one but possibly a pluralityof activating members or lever arms 64. As described in detail above,with primary reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 4-6, 11 and 12, theactivating assembly 63 and the one or more activating members 64 aredriven or forced into operative movement by passage of any of aplurality of stethoscope heads 14 along the path of travel 30, 31. Assuch, the activating members 64 are driven into a pivotal or partialrotational movement as the head 14 engages the activating members 14 andpasses along the path of travel 30, 31. The activating assembly isdisposed in interconnecting, driving relation to a distribution assemblyrepresented in FIGS. 20-22 as 310. Further, an appropriate mechanicallinkage, described above and collectively represented in FIGS. 3-6, 11and 12 is disposed and structured to operatively interconnect each ofthe activating members 64 to correspondingly disposed and interconnectedones of at least one but more practically a plurality of segregatingmembers 312. Each of the one or more segregating members 312 areconnected to and travel with structures 312′ which may be driven by theaforementioned appropriate mechanical linkage. As such, the cooperativestructuring, operation and positioning of the activation assembly 63,the one or more activating member 64, the mechanical linkage of FIGS.3-6, 11 and 12 and the cooperative structures 312′ of the segregatingmembers 312 all serve to position the distribution assembly 310 and morespecifically, the one or more segregating members 312 into adistributing orientation. Moreover, the distributing orientation of thedistribution assembly 310 is more specifically defined by thepositioning of the one or more segregating members 312 into (and out of)a distributing orientation. Such a distributing orientation will beassumed by the segregating members 312 as each of the individual heads14 of the stethoscope(s) passes along the path of travel 30, 31 ininterruptive, driving engagement to the activating member 64.

With primary reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, passage of a head 14 of astethoscope along the path of travel 30 in the direction 31 will causethe one or more segregating members 312 of the distribution assembly 310to linearly travel along appropriate containment openings, grooves,slots, etc. 315 into a segregating relation with an exposed one 301′ ofthe plurality of barriers 301. As such, each of the one or moresegregating members 312 may be appropriately dimensioned, disposed andconfigured to segregate out the exposed barrier 301′ from the remainderof the barriers 301 within the base 303, as the segregating member(s)312passes along the length of the containment groove 315 to a lower endthereof such as at 315′. Therefore, such movement of the segregatingmembers 312 can be said to at least partially define the segregatingdisposition of the distribution assembly as the one or more segregatingmembers 312 separate the exposed barrier 301′ from a remainder of theplurality of barriers 301 of the base 305. The movement or travel of thesegregating members 312 will be with sufficient force to affect atransfer of the exposed barrier 301′ on to the exposed surface of thehead 14 as generally represented in FIG. 28.

Accordingly, similar to the structure and operation of the embodiment ofFIGS. 3-6, 11 and 12, the appropriate mechanical linkage assembly can beaccurately defined as a driving assembly. In operation, the activatingmembers 64 will engage and be driven by the head 14 into an operativeposition generally indicated in FIG. 5, as the head 14 travels along thepath of travel 30, 31. However, the driving assembly and/or mechanicallinkage is structurally and operatively adapted to cause thesuccessively exposed barriers 301′ to be transferred onto the exposedsurface of each head 14 passing along the path of travel 30, 31.Therefore, the driving engagement of the head 14 with the distributionmembers 64 of the distribution assembly 63 will serve to drivinglyposition a remaining portion of the driving assembly and/or appropriatemechanical linkage as represented in FIGS. 4-6, 11 and 12. Such passageof the head 14 along the path of travel 30, 31 will cause outwardlydirected movement of second lever arms 72 in accordance with directionalarrow 72′ as well as a substantially downward movement of the lower endsof the secondary lever arms 72 as indicated by directional arrows 72″.

As represented in FIGS. 4-7, the lower ends of each of the lever arms 72may be connected to or otherwise adapted to engage or otherwise bedrivingly interconnected to the structures 312′ of the segregatingmembers 312 rather than the plunger means 78 associated with theembodiments of FIGS. 4-6, 10, 11, etc. However, any appropriatestructural modifications of the driving assembly and associatedappropriate mechanical linkage will be structured and operative to applyan activating force to the segregating members 312 through drivinginterconnection with the cooperative structures 312′. This in turn willcause the segregating members 312 to pass reciprocally along theretaining groove or channel 315 which in turn will serve to separatesuccessively exposed ones 301′ of the barriers 301 to a transferringposition whereby they are dispensed on or transferred to the exposedsurfaces of each head 14 passing along the path of travel 30, 31.

With primary reference to FIG. 23, the appropriate mechanical linkagedefining a driving assembly may include one or more drive gears as at316 associated with the appropriate linkage. As such, the one or moredrive gears 316 will be connected in driving relation to an appropriatecasing 307 and further be disposed so as to cause each of the pluralityof barriers 301 to be disposed into an exposed orientation, as at 301′.The movement or “unrolling” of the rolled collection of barriers 303,will successively pass into the exposed position, as at 301′. Therefore,it is within the knowledge and ability of a skilled artisan tostructurally and operatively adapt the appropriate mechanical linkagesuch as initially described in reference to FIGS. 3-6, 10, and 11 toactivate the one or more drive gears 316 causing a sequential movementof the rolled collection 307 of the barriers 301 into the exposedposition 301′.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the cleaning assembly 301′ of thepresent invention is represented in FIGS. 24-28. This embodiment of theassembly 300′ is somewhat less complex in operation and structure andincludes a housing 400 having a path of travel 402 including an entranceportion 404 and an exit portion 406. The head 14 is intended to travelalong the path of travel 402 in a manner similar to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-23. More specifically, as the head 14 passes along the path oftravel 402 it engages and forces a separation of the aforementionedclosure or gate assembly 42. Moreover and as described in detail above,the gate assembly 42 includes two gate members 44 and 46 normallydisposed in a closed orientation as at least partially represented inFIG. 24. Gate members 44 and 46 are interconnected by appropriatelinkage which forces their “opening” or separation as clearly indicatedin FIGS. 25 and 26 concurrent to passage of the head 14 along the pathof travel 402 on the interior of the housing 400. It is of further notethat the gates 44 and 46 are normally maintained in a closed positionand as such, serve to restrict or prevent exposure of the plurality ofbarriers 303 from the exterior of the casing 400 until the head 14passes along the path of travel 402. As represented in FIGS. 24 through27, a plurality of barriers 303 are disposed within the housing 400 incommunicating relation with the path of travel 402 as well as the head14 passing there along, as clearly represented.

Further, the plurality of barriers 309 are movably disposed andstructured to expose successive ones of the plurality of barriers 301,as at 301′, into a transferring position as represented in FIGS. 24-26.The transferring position is assumed when each of a plurality ofstethoscope heads pass along the path of travel 402. Further, each ofthe exposed barriers 301′ is successively removable from a remainder ofthe plurality of barriers 301 when the exposed barrier 301′ is in thetransferring position as represented in FIGS. 24-26.

As is demonstrated, travel of the head 14 of the stethoscope is appliedmanually by a single hand of the user, wherein the exposed surfaces ofthe head 14 (see FIG. 28) are engaged and/or covered by a dispensed ortransferred one of the barriers 301. Therefore, the embodiment of FIGS.24-27, the head 14 of the stethoscope is placed in direct contact withthe exposed barrier 301′ when the head 14 is substantially aligned withthe collection of barriers 309. As the head 14 continues to move alongthe path of travel 401 a new exposed barrier 301′ is disposed fortransfer on to the next head passing along the path of travel 402. Uponexiting of the head 14 from the path of travel 402, through the exitportion 406 as represented in FIG. 27, the transferred barrier 301′ willbe disposed thereon in the protective, covering orientation asrepresented in FIG. 28. Further, upon reaching the exit portion 406, atthe end of the path of travel 402, the gates 44 and 46 will closethereby preventing exposure of the interior of the casing 400 and thecollection of barriers 309 to the exterior of the casing 400.

It is of further note, that each of the barriers 301, as well as theprotective barriers described and disclosed with the reference to theembodiments of FIGS. 18-23, may include some type of adhesive coating orother structure which facilitates the initial but removable securementof the barrier to the exposed surfaces of the head 14 in the protectiveorientation represented in FIG. 28. Such an adhesive or other securingstructure should clearly facilitate maintenance of the protective ortransferred barrier 301 in the indicated protective position and also bestructured and/or formulated to facilitate the removal thereof when anexamination of a patient or other use of the stethoscope head 14 hasbeen completed. Additional structuring of the barriers of theembodiments of FIGS. 18-29 should be such as to not interfere with thenormal operation and function of the stethoscope head 14, as it isconventionally used to examine patients or for other intended uses.

In addition, in order to facilitate the intended removal of thedispensed barrier 301, the overall configuration thereof may be such asto provide a gripping tab or portion 301″, represented in FIG. 28, whichmay be gripped by a hand of the user or other individual so as tofurther facilitate the removal of the barrier 301 once having been used.Further with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 28, the overall sizeand/or configuration of each of the plurality of barriers 301, as wellas the barriers referred to and disclosed in the embodiments of FIGS.18-23 may be sufficient in size and/or configuration to coversubstantially any stethoscope head 14 regardless of its size and/orshape. It is recognized that the heads of stethoscopes are available invarious sizes and /or configurations. Accordingly, the size andconfiguration of each of the protective barriers 301 should besubstantially “universal” so as to accommodate the size andconfiguration of the various styles, types, categories, etc. of thestethoscope heads 14.

Further, with regards to the embodiment of FIG. 29, the plurality ofbarriers 301 may assume an elongated strip and/or at least partiallyrolled collection, as represented and generally indicated by thecorresponding configuration 415.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. An assembly structured to restrict contamination from associationwith heads of stethoscopes, said assembly comprising: a housingincluding an entrance portion and an exit portion respectivelystructured for entry and removal of the heads relative to the housing, apath of travel for the heads at least partially located within saidhousing and extending between said entry and exit portions, a pluralityof barriers disposed within said housing in communicating relation tothe heads passing along the path of travel, a distribution assemblypositioned in communicating relation with said plurality of barriers anddisposable into a distributing orientation relative to said plurality ofbarriers, said distributing orientation comprising a segregatingdisposition of at least a portion of said distribution assembly relativeto an exposed one of said plurality of barriers, and said exposed one ofsaid plurality of barriers disposed into a transferring positionrelative to corresponding ones of the heads passing along said path oftravel concurrent to said distribution assembly being disposed in saiddistributing orientation.
 2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid plurality of barriers are structured for removable, coveringengagement with exposed, predetermined portions of the heads.
 3. Anassembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said plurality of barriersinclude a disinfecting composition incorporated therein.
 4. An assemblyas recited in claim 2 wherein said plurality of barriers are adhesivelyattached in covering engagement with the predetermined portions of theheads.
 5. An assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein each of saidplurality of barriers include a gripping portion disposed innon-engaging relation to the heads, said gripping portion disposed andstructured to facilitate application of a disengaging force to acorresponding one of said plurality of barriers.
 6. An assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of barriers are disposed in astacked array, said stacked array structured for separable connection ofeach exposed one of said plurality of barriers relative to a remainderof said stacked array upon disposition of said distribution assembly insaid distributing orientation.
 7. An assembly as recited in claim 6wherein said stacked array comprises a base; said plurality of barriersremovably connected to said base and structured for said removable,covering engagement with predetermined portions of the heads.
 8. Anassembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of barriers aredisposed in a rolled collection, said rolled collection structured forsaid exposed one of said plurality of barriers being disposed in saidtransferring position upon disposition of said distribution assembly insaid distributing orientation.
 9. An assembly as recited in claim 8wherein said rolled collection comprises a base, said plurality ofbarriers removably connected to said base and movable therewith from astored orientation into said transferring position relative to the headspassing along said path of travel.
 10. An assembly as recited in claim 1further comprising an activating assembly disposed in communicatingrelation to said path of travel and in at least partially interruptiverelation to the heads passing along said path of travel.
 11. An assemblyas recited in claim 10 wherein said activating assembly is movablydisposed into and out of activating relation to said distributionassembly; said distribution assembly structured to be disposed in saiddistributing orientation upon disposition of said actuating assembly insaid activating relation.
 12. An assembly as recited in claim 10 whereinsaid distribution assembly comprises at least one segregating memberpositionable into and out of said segregating disposition concurrent todisposition of said activating assembly into and out of said activatingrelation.
 13. An assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein saidsegregating disposition comprises said one segregating member disposedin separating engagement with said exposed one of said plurality ofbarriers relative to a remainder of said plurality of barriers.
 14. Anassembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said one segregating member isdisposed in separating engagement with successively exposed ones of saidplurality of barriers concurrent to successive disposition of said oneactivating member into said activating relation with said distributionassembly.
 15. An assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein saiddistribution assembly comprises a plurality of segregating membersconcurrently and collectively positionable into and out of saidsegregating disposition concurrent to disposition of said activatingassembly into and out of said activating relation.
 16. An assembly asrecited in claim 15 wherein said segregating disposition comprises saidplurality of segregating members concurrently disposed in separatingengagement with an exposed one of said plurality of barriers relative toa remainder of said plurality of barriers.
 17. An assembly as recited inclaim 16 wherein said plurality of segregating members are concurrentlydisposed in separating engagement with successively exposed ones of saidplurality of barriers concurrent to successive disposition of saidactivating member in said activating relation to said distributionassembly.
 18. An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein saiddistribution assembly comprises a driving assembly positionable into andout of driving relation to said plurality of barriers concurrent todisposition of said activating assembly into and out of said activatingrelation.
 19. An assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said drivingassembly is successively disposed in driving relation to said pluralityof barriers concurrent to successive disposition of said activatingassembly into said activating relation with said distribution assembly.20. An assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said successively exposedones of said plurality of barriers are disposed in said transferredposition concurrent to said successive disposition of said activatingassembly into said activating relation with said distribution assembly.21. An assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said plurality ofbarriers are initially disposed in a rolled collection, said rolledcollection structured for said exposed one of said plurality of barriersbeing disposed in said transferring position upon disposition of saiddistribution assembly in said distributing orientation.
 22. An assemblyas recited in claim 21 wherein said rolled collection comprises a base,said plurality of barriers removably connected to said base and movabletherewith from a stored orientation into said transferring positionrelative to the head passing along said path of travel.
 23. An assemblystructured to restrict contamination from association with heads ofstethoscopes, said assembly comprising: a housing including an entranceportion and an exit portion respectively structured for entry andremoval of the head relative to the housing, a path of travel for thehead extending between said entry and exits portions, a plurality ofbarriers disposed within said housing in communicating relation to thehead passing along the path of travel, said plurality of barriersmovably disposed and structured to expose successive ones of saidplurality of barriers into a transferring position relative tosuccessive passage of the heads along said path of travel, and each ofsaid plurality of barriers removable from a remainder thereof when insaid transferring position and being structured for covering dispositionof a corresponding head passing along the path of travel.